Alan Permane, team principal for Racing Bulls, has definitively shut down any suggestion that Max Verstappen could get behind the wheel of the junior team’s machinery in a bid to find greater performance.
Why it matters
Red Bull Racing's main team is currently struggling with its RB21 car, while its sister team, Racing Bulls, has been performing strongly with what Permane himself described as an “easier-to-drive” car. Rumors of Verstappen testing the VCARB 02 raised significant questions about potential cross-team development and the implications for both Red Bull's and Racing Bulls' seasons.
The big picture
Red Bull Racing has found it difficult to achieve consistent performance with its RB21 machine so far in the F1 2025 season. Yuki Tsunoda, who joined Red Bull from the Japanese Grand Prix, has managed only a meager 10 points, with only seven scored in the RB21.
In stark contrast, Racing Bulls' VCARB 02 has thrived. Drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar have brought home critical points, with Lawson securing 20 points and Hadjar 22, showcasing the car's strong potential.
The details
- Permane's earlier remarks: Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane had previously indicated that a “top-line” Formula 1 driver could easily extract maximum performance from the VCARB 02.
- The rumors: This led to speculation that reigning World Champion Max Verstappen might test the VCARB 02, potentially identifying areas of improvement for Racing Bulls and bringing helpful feedback to Red Bull to make the RB21 simpler to drive.
- The denial: When directly asked by Sky Sports F1 at Zandvoort about any discussions regarding Verstappen testing the VCARB 02, Permane unequivocally replied, “Absolutely none at all. Zero.”
- Team focus: He stressed that both teams are independently focused on maximizing the performance of their respective packages.
Context
Permane explained that Racing Bulls worked extensively on the VCARB 02 over the winter, realizing during the Bahrain test that they had developed a “nice car to drive.”
FIA regulations mandate that Red Bull and Racing Bulls, despite being sister teams, must construct their cars independently of one another. This regulatory framework makes it legally complicated for Verstappen to test the VCARB 02 with the specific intention of directly solving Red Bull’s problems or uncovering hidden weaknesses in a cross-team effort.
What's next
Both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will continue to focus on optimizing their current machinery independently, with no plans for Max Verstappen to test the VCARB 02.